Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Demanded Before 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

Indian batting star Rohit Sharma is currently at a crucial stage of his career, where one injury or one poor series could affect his future in international cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup less than 17 months away, Rohit is racing against time to secure his place in India’s squad for the 50-over tournament in South Africa. 

Approaching 39, Rohit Sharma has worked hard on his fitness and transformation. Losing weight at this age is not easy. Even so, the veteran batter has continued to put in the effort as he aims to fulfil his dream of winning the 50-over World Cup.  

At the same time, questions over his place in the squad are growing stronger. By the time the World Cup begins, Rohit Sharma will be over 40 years old. Therefore, selectors are considering whether younger players should now be given more opportunities.

Rohit Sharma's Fitness Concerns Create Doubts

Notably, Rohit Sharma has already retired from Tests and T20Is and currently only plays ODIs for India. Despite his commitment towards fitness, reports suggest that the Indian team management, led by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, has concerns regarding his endurance in 50-over cricket.

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Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Rohit Sharma’s Selection

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioned Rohit's selection over younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal. Notably, Manjrekar has indirectly demanded Rohit's retirement.

According to Manjrekar, Jaiswal deserved an opportunity based on his recent performances, while Virat Kohli still remains important due to his fitness and contributions.

Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, Manjrekar said, “Sai Sudharsan has done well in the shorter formats. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a hundred in his last ODI. But these guys are still not representing the country. The selectors have picked the veteran, who is out of form and whose fitness is also under question. 

I don’t understand the logic and vision behind the selection process. If they were told to compromise and pick Rohit Sharma they should pick up the phone and apologise to Jaiswal. He is a young player who has been contributing at the top level and he is in his prime with a very promising future ahead. 

You have Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jaiswal and they can be your top three. But you are not backing them and are instead giving preference to Rohit.”

India Looking At Other Opening Options

Meanwhile, recent reports also suggest that the Indian team management is exploring other opening combinations in case Rohit is unavailable for the 2027 World Cup. Since India has only a limited number of ODI matches before the tournament, every match will be important for finalising the squad.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is among the players being considered as a future opener alongside Shubman Gill. Additionally, reports indicate that Virat Kohli and Rohit are no longer being viewed together due to Kohli’s stronger fitness levels.

It is also important to note that, Rohit Sharma began IPL 2026 strongly with a match-winning 78 against KKR. He also played a few aggressive innings before suffering a hamstring injury during the match against RCB. 

As a result, he missed almost half of the tournament and returned only later in the season. Since then, he has mainly featured as an Impact Player, which has further raised concerns regarding his fitness.

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